Long Term Bilstein 5100's feedback
 

Now that people have been running these for some time, I'm looking for feedback. I have about 35,000 miles on mine set.

Before I put this shock package/leveling kit in my front end had a clunk. With the 2" of leveling the clunk went away. I still think it's a swaybar/bushing issue. Needless to say, I've been very happy with the set up until recent.

The clunk has returned (not that this is caused by the shocks), but more importantly the back end of my truck skips around over rough roads and highway expansion joints once again. I'll probably push these shocks another 5k miles or so but then I'm done.

I want ride quality back. I may also downgrade my tires. My 305/65 BFG A/T's are getting noticeably louder, where they were silent IMO before.

What I will miss is the comments, I still get to this day on the truck. Makes me laugh for such subtle changes.

Anyone else have any feeback?

I've had mine on for about a year now (27K) and they still ride like new. I run Toyo MT's and everything is a ok to this point. And yes, we do get the compliments!

Top notch shocks... I think they are hard to beat as far as OEM replacements go. Sure, a coilover system with springs and all would be great, but for $300 or so, Bilstein 5100s are amazing. If you are still running the stock shocks/struts, then the difference will be night and day. Get rid of those pogo sticks you're riding on - you won't regret it.

Oh, I have about 60,000 miles on mine. They still run like the day I put them on. Quick story: when I first put the shocks on, I was still running on the stock Generals and 17s. I could not keep the back end straight for the life of me. She would break loose for just about anything. Once the Bilsteins went on, it stopped. The Bilsteins clearly handle weight transfer to the rear tires more efficiently. Since then I've slapped on stocker 20s and Michelin LTX ATR2s - the best tires I have ever ridden on.

I`ve had mine for 2 years now and they are still doing there job. I use to get the back feeling like it was going to kick out until I got the Bilsteins. Your rear shocks are completely gone, swap them out right away.

By the way, I say scrap the leveling kit once you get the 5100s and use the 1" setting on the 5100s in the front rather than the 2" spacers you're using now. Your truck won't look as raked as a stocker, but you'll also have a bit more play on alignment, camber, etc. as compared to a 2" level.

Any leveling kit will ultimately change your front suspension angles - whether using a 2" spacer or the 5100s. Logic and my own personal experience reveals that the greater the leveling achieved by your leveling kit of choice, the worse your vehicle will handle and feel. A 2" level sure does make those front springs stiffer (well, it adds tension so they feel stiffer similar to putting in a spring rubber for all you NASCAR enthusiasts).

The stock rake seems to prevent a sufficient amount of weight transfer to the rear wheels when the bed is empty (weight leaning forward onto front wheels). The 1" lift achieved by the medium setting on the 5100s seems like a nice balance between the stock rake and the standard 2" leveling kit. Try it - you'll like it! Good luck!

Minus 13, I agree, doing it over I'd go with 1" leveling versus the 2" inch height I chose on my 5100's.

FWIW, I don't feel like my front shocks are gone (I just think it's swaybar bushings). My rear 5100's are toast. I expected more out of them.

I have being running my 5100's for about a year and a half to 2 years and I have no complaints. Mine are on the 2" mount on the front. I love these shocks.:thumbsup:

I've had the 5100's set at 2" front lift for going on 2 years, and I absolutely love them. Still feel just like they did when new. The thing is, the stock shocks they were replaced, were actually brand new themselves, and they still made a night and day difference.

Hopping out of my little car, with 40 series tires, and into my truck with bigger tires, and 5100's, makes the ride feel like a Cadillac :) LOL

Peace,
Fish

I don't see how this is true, at least not with the AutoSpring type. it does not change the spring rate. The leveling block is on top of the assembly and is NOT similar to putting a spring rubber in like nascar. Unless you are talking about an entirely different leveling kit that I am not aware of. But the type that is bolted on to top of the assembly keeps your spring dampener rate like factory. But does change the suspension angle.

Speaking of long term use...how do they hold up in a salt zone as far as rusting?

Rust wise, they've held up great. I'll be the first to admit that I don't wash my truck regularly through the winter. There's a little bit of rust where the shock mount is welded to the shock body, but I have no doubt since they are stainless, it would clean right up if I gave them some attention. I can snap a picture and post it.

Two years and 15k miles here, they are excellent. They will be on the truck forever unless they wear out which I dont count on happening any time soon. Before my 4wd 04 had so damn much body roll and swerve. The rear end practically fell on the axle with a quad or load of wood in the back. With the 5100 kit it handles much better, its more firm, but not over stiffened. Ride is smooth as butter. With it more firm it makes it more tricky to keep the rear from sliding out of control when driving a bit quickly on gravel and back country roads. Overall they are great.

Maybe 3 yrs/15K on mine. They're as good as new, except the salt has really beat them up.

I couldn't disagree more about the comments above. Mine set at 2" is not the same as when I had the 2" AS installed. I don't think the Bilstein numbers are accurate, I'd say the 2 is more like 1.5. I'll have concrete numbers in a week or two when I put my 2" AS back in. I've got noticeable rake with the Bilstein's and had next to none with the AS. Every truck is different.

As far as the spring rate, would you rather be hit in the head with a baseball bat or a 2x4? IMHO, it's splitting hairs, you'll never feel the difference.

For the record, I love the ride of the Bilsteins. Most of you have under 20k miles on them. I have nearly double the miles you guys have. My front still rides the same, but the rear shocks are what I think have seen better days.

I agree. Don't want to hijack thread.